Dr. James Rafferty

Professor of Psychology

Bio

I am “partially” retired and will only be teaching spring semesters through 2015. Please feel free to contact me via email. If you would like to get involved in memory research (or possibly another area of cognitive psychology), let me know and we can talk about it.

Bennett, R. L., & Rafferty, J. M. (2007, January). A description and evaluation of a web-enhanced format for an introductory psychology course. Paper presented at the National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology, St. Petersburg Beach, FL.NITP (2007) handout

Other Information

Recommendation Letters

I encourage you to talk with me about the possibility of writing a letter of recommendation for you. You should not ask, “Will you write me a letter of recommendation?” but instead, “Can you write me a strong letter of recommendation?” If I cannot, then I will tell you, and you can decide if someone else is in a better position to write you a letter. If I can, then I will happily agree to do so, but I will ask some things of you:

1) To fill out a general form that I have prepared.
2) To provide a recent copy of your BSU transcript and highlight all of the courses that you have taken with me. The transcript need not be an official copy.
3) To provide a copy of your resume (if you have one).
4) If you are applying to graduate school, to provide a copy of your GRE scores (if available).
5) To assess and convey to me your relevant knowledge, skills, and characteristics by filling out a second form. These will differ somewhat depending on whether you are asking for a letter for graduate school or a letter for job placement.

You can provide the above either in hard copy (in a folder with your name on it) or electronically (each item’s name should begin with your last name).

It takes time for me to write a good letter for you. Please allow a minimum of 3 weeks for me to complete your letter. Remember that the ability to plan ahead is one of the topics I may address in your letter.

If you would like to schedule a time to talk or meet with me, please do so:
jrafferty@bemidjistate.edu

Rafferty Scholarship(s)

The Rafferty scholarship(s) were originally endowed by Mr. Kirk Gregg, a BSU Psychology major and currently Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for Corning Inc. Mr. Gregg announced the endowment on the 25th anniversary of his graduation from BSU; the scholarships were given in my name because of the impact that Kirk felt I had on his life as an undergraduate at BSU. The endowment was intended to award two $2500 scholarships each year to outstanding students majoring in Psychology. Preference is given to applicants demonstrating an interest in research psychology.